Photograph of a close-up of a specimen of Iris, ca.1920. The specimen consists of six blossoms and about seven leaves. On each blossom, several flower petals curl outwards while the rest cringe towards the center. The lengthy leaves extend upwards towards the blossom.; "This is a large group of mostly hardy perennials, some of which are bulbous, and others rhizomatous. Some varieties may be grown in bog gardens and shallow water. These beautiful plants grow wild in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Their name is taken from Iris, a rainbow, and refers to the beauty and variety of the flowers. The rhizomatous Irises have sword-shaped leaves arranged in a basal fan, while those growing from bulbs have slender leaves. Irises vary in height from dwarf kinds, 5 to 6 inches high, to the tall beardless kinds, 20 to 48 inches high. Most varieties bloom from May to June, but in mild climates many will bloom for a good part of the year. Irises are different in their structure than most other plants. The three outer petals hang down and are known as falls; these may be bearded, beardless, or crested. The other three are called standards; they stand upright, though on some varieties, droop." -- unknown author.